The selection of the right CNC milling machine has a direct influence on your production rate as well as part quality. As there are different types and options it’s crucial to understand the difference between 3-axis and 12-axis equipment. Ainsi, modern manufacturing processes require highly accurate skills matching the type of projects. CNC milling machines are classified according to the number of axes, 3 axes, 4 axes, 5 axes, jusqu'à 12 axes. A 3-axis machine provides only basic functions on three different planes; suitable for simple operations. Alors que, the 12-axis machine offers multidimensional working capacity for more elaborate parts and cutting with less setup time.
This article will help you to understand the differences between 3-axis to 12-axis CNC milling machines. De plus, we will elaborate on their features, avantages, and considerations for choosing the right manufacturing machine.
3-Usinage CNC d'axes
3-axis machining refers to a milling process where the cutting tool moves along three perpendicular axes: X, Oui, et Z. This configuration makes it possible to have accurate control in material forming and cutting.
Axes Movement:
- X-Axis: Vertical movement up and down: Horizontal movement from left to right.
- Y-Axis: The lateral movement of the body from side to side in an anterior-posterior direction.
- Z-Axis: Lateral movement sideways.
Applications:
Most suitable for flat surfaces, contours, and simple shapes are easy to machine.
Appearing in applications like aerospace, automobile, and general manufacturing of components like brackets, bases, et logements.
Outillage:
Features different cutting tools such as end mills and drills that can be replaced on some CNC systems by a tool changer.
Software:
Controlled through CAD/CAM software that enables programming and process simulation.
Limites:
Can only make relatively simple shapes; need to switch cutter heads for different faces; difficult to reach some areas; often cannot achieve a high surface finish on fine contours; not good for highly machinable materials.
4-Usinage CNC d'axes
4-axis machining is similar to 3-axis machining with the added rotation around the fourth or A-axis. This permits further motion and machining procedures, thereby improving the capacity to manufacture parts with detailed measurements.
Axes Movement:
- X-Axis: Left to right movement of the figure(conception)
- Y-Axis: Backward and forward movement in the lateral plane.
- Z-Axis: The sort of movement to which an object moves up and down in a perpendicular direction is called vertical movement.
- A-Axis: To achieve A-axis motion, a rotational movement around the x-axis has been incorporated to allow angular cuts.
Applications:
- Optimal for turning operations, complex shapes and details need to be turned during the turning operation.
- Applied extensively in manufacturing sectors such as medical, aérospatial, automobile, and the manufacture of devices such as shafts, engrenages, and brackets.
Outillage:
Uses a wide range of cutting tools as used in 3-axis machines but with the advantage of being able to employ angled tools due to the rotary axis.
Software:
Enables the use of sophisticated CAD CAM software for use in programming that in turn makes it possible to create farther and more intricate tool paths to be simulated.
Limites:
Additional movements, which means more programming and setup than 3-axis, require specialized tools, longer cycle time, costlier machinery, and multi-axis machines.
5-Usinage des axes
4-axis machining resembles 3-axis machining with the added rotation around the fourth or A-axis. This permits further motion in the machining procedures, thereby improving the capacity to fabricate detailed feature components.
Axes Movement:
- X-Axis: Left to right tool movement
- Y-Axis: Backward and forward movement in the lateral plane.
- Z-Axis: The sort of movement in which an object moves up and down in a perpendicular direction is called vertical movement.
- A-Axis: To achieve this motion, a rotational movement around the x-axis has been incorporated to allow angular cuts.
Applications:
Applied extensively in manufacturing sectors such as aerospace, automobile, and the manufacture of medical devices for parts such as shafts, engrenages, and brackets.
Outillage:
Uses a wide range of cutting tools as used in 3-axis machines but with the advantage of being able to use the tools at an angle due to the rotary axis.
Software:
5-axis CNC machining uses sophisticated CADCAM software for use in programming that in turn makes it possible to create farther and more intricate tool paths that can be simulated.
Limites:
Additional movements, which means more programming and setup than 3-axis, require specialized tools, longer cycle time, costlier machinery and maintenance, and still cannot produce some highly complex shapes compared to multi-axis machines.
7-Usinage des axes
7-axis machining takes the concept of CNC milling a step further by adding an extra axis of rotation and more axes of linear motion.
Axes Movement:
- X, Oui, Z Axes: Ordinary lateral and vertical motions.
- UN, B, C Axes: Around the X, Oui, and Z axis rotation movements.
- D-Axis: Has an adjustment for tilt or angle, which makes it even more versatile than the previous model.
Applications:
- Special for complex parts with complex cutting-edge surfaces and shapes, including aircraft and molds.
- Suited for multicomponent structures that require high precision and reinforcing features.
Outillage:
The ability to use a variety of specialized cutting tools for operations including increasing the possibility of machining.
Software:
Employ comprehensive computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing systems developed for multi-axis applications to guarantee correct tool routing.
Limites: High cost of machinery; high programming skills needed; more time for setup; higher maintenance due to complexity.
9-Usinage des axes
9-axis machining is the step up from 5 and 6-axis machining, as it adds even more movement capabilities to the mix, and allows it to perform very complex machining operations that cannot be done with fewer axes.
Axes Movement:
- X, Oui, Z Axes: Standard linear movements.
- UN, B, C Axes: Vibrational movements along each of the three linear axes of translation.
- D and E Axes: Other rotary motion axes and tilt axes that afford higher angular adjustment.
- F-Axis: This may include additional specific motions based on machine construction that allow specific machining operations.
Applications:
Ideally used for aerospace, medical implant molds, and other parts that need high accuracy and tight tolerance shapes.
Outillage:
Able to use several complex instruments, such as multi-purpose instruments which can change functions without the need for adjustment.
Software:
Sophisticated programming is required along with a specific CAD/CAM system for high-accuracy 9-axis motion control.
Limites:
Overall higher costs and is more complicated; operators must be well trained; have slower production time; and may be constrained in terms of material removal rates due to complicated design.
12-Usinage des axes
12-axis machining is the highest level of CNC innovation. En général, it is used where a high degree of flexibility in parts production is required. This configuration is mostly preferred in applications that are sensitive to high demands, especially in terms of geometry.
Axes Movement:
- X, Oui, Z Axes: Standard linear movements.
- UN, B, C Axes: Oscillatory movements that occur about each of the three spatial axes.
- D, E, F, G Axes: Further possibilities of turning or sliding movements, enabling extensive workpiece handling in various directions.
Applications:
Widely used in aerospace, automobile, and medical industries for manufacturing small and large parts with high precision, par exemple, blades of turbines and complicated surgical tools.
Outillage:
Equipped with complex tooling systems to perform multifunctional operations in a single cycle, thus increasing the rate of production.
Software:
Equipped with the latest CAD/CAM software for dealing with the challenges of programming for 12-axis applications to provide precision work.
Limites:
High initial cost; need specialized/skilled personnel; intricate coding and control; more time needed for installation and tuning; chances of frequent maintenance because of the advanced equipment.
Precision CNC Machining with Tops Precision
At Précision au sommet, we incorporate cutting-edge technology in manufacturing including 5-axis machining to address both simple and complex design configurations. We specialize in CNC services suitable for the short-run production of functional prototypes and other parts.
To get an individual price offer for your CNC project you can upload your CAD files using the contact form. Our engineering team will be quick to come up with a detailed quote, this will take 1 à 2 jours.
